Community social capital in managing the simanuk-manuk village forest in forest management unit region iv balige, toba regency

Social capital is a collection of resources owned by individuals and communities, which are used in social interaction and community building. This study aims to identify the social capital in Simanuk-Manuk Village Forest (VF) in Forest Management Unit (FMU) Region IV Balige, Toba Regency. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and literature study. Social capital was analyzed qualitatively which categorize into structural (roles and rules) and cognitive (norms, values, attitudes, beliefs). The results showed that community’s social capital contributes to VF management, encouraging them to preserve the forest. In structural social capital, the Village Forest Management Institution has statutes that regulate community’s roles and rules in managing forest. Communities are involved in preparation and implementation activities. In cognitive social capital, norms are still adherence including unwritten rules such as rituals when entering forest referred to as mamele (praying to ancestors). Customary traditions strengthened the value of social capital and maintain cultural sustainability. The community’s attitude in utilizing forest doesn’t cause social inequality. They believe that forest is a vital component of life, particularly as a provider of clean water and air. They also believe that forest has sacred and spiritual values that encourage them in preserving forest from degradation.


Introduction
Social capital is a collection of resources owned by individuals and communities, which are used in social interaction and community development [1].Social capital is one of cultural components that must be developed both in community organizations and in social life to maintain harmonious interactions and smooth group business [2].Community social capital is a set of informal values or norms shared among members of an interrelated community group, which are based on the values of IOP Publishing doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1315/1/012051 2 trust, norms and social networks [3,4].The concept of social capital has received attention in the literature on shared resource management and collective action, particularly in relation to sustainable natural resource use and development [5].If associated with forest management [6] explain social capital is the community's values or norms in cooperatively managing forests to achieve sustainable needs.The application of good social capital will be able to empower the community and is very influential in the success of sustainable natural resource management [7].The success of a development program can be impacted by how well a community manages its social capital [8].
Social capital requires emphasis on what elements make it up, what connects them, and what consequences can be attributed to these interactions.The elements of social capital are divided into two interconnected categories: structural and cognitive.Structural categories include roles, rules, networks, procedures and precedents.Cognitive categories include norms, values, attitudes and beliefs.Both categories are strongly dependency, one category influences the other [9].
A type of community-based forest management is village forest, defined as forest areas in protected and/or production forest that have not received government licensing and that are granted to a village institution to be managed in accordance with its functions, for the realization of a prosperous community and sustainable forest.The Village Forest Management Approval (PPHD) is granted to a village institution that established by village regulation in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations and is charged with managing the forests located in and around the village, for the greatest welfare of the village community.The village institution may be an existing institution or a new institution created specifically to manage the village's forests [10].
Community interaction is inextricably linked to the forest because it is adjacent to the village.The social capital concept can be more representative framework in assessing community-based forest management practices, especially in encouraging collective actions [11].It is necessary to identify forms of social capital of Simanuk-Manuk VF in the Forest Management Unit (FMU) Reg-IV Balige, Toba Regency, North Sumatra Province, with focus on structural and cognitive elements.

Research Methods
This research was conducted from March to June 2023 in Jangga Dolok Village, Lumban Julu, Toba Regency, North Sumatra.The object of research was members of the Village Forest Management Institution (LPHD) which is managed the Simanuk-Manuk village forest in the FMU Reg-IV Balige.Toba Regency.A map of the research location is presented in Figure 1.The research tools include stationery, camera, map location, smartphone and questionnaire form.The research used a survey method using interview techniques and interview questionnaire tools to a number of LPHD members.The interview results are data related to the research objectives.
The primary data was gathered on April 2023 through direct interview by enumerators targeted 21 respondents member of LPHD Simanuk-manuk.Simultaneously, a thorough exploration of secondary data, including documents, images, and meticulous observations of the study location, provided a comprehensive understanding of the LPHD's role in the sustainable management of the Simanuk-manuk village forest.
This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach.Qualitative descriptive method can be interpreted as a problem-solving procedure investigated by describing the state of the subject or object of research at the present time based on the facts that appear and as they are [12].Qualitative descriptive, describes the data collected in the form of words, pictures and not numbers.Data analysis described in the form of narratives is linked to the results of interviews so that what is seen, heard and obtained from research subjects can be described in detail to build concepts that have more meaning in examining and reconstructing research problems.
Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews using survey methods.The population in this study were all members of LPHD Simanuk-Manuk.Purposive sampling was used to select respondents and respondents were chosen based on various factors that were pertinent to the study's objectives.Respondents with knowledge, experience, or perspectives critical to the study are specifically chosen by researchers.This method allows researchers to collect rich and in-depth data from respondents who have valuable insights related to the research topic [13].
To determine number of sample respondents used the Slovin formula, as follow; The Slovin formula starts by calculating the error tolerance limit, stated in percentage [14].The smaller the percentage of error tolerance, the more accurate the sample size.The clauses are e = 0.1 (10%) for large populations, and e = 0.2 (20%) for a small population.
According to [15] populations are divided based on the number of population members where: • Small population with less than 1000 members • Medium-sized populations that have members from 10000 • Large populations with 150000 or more members.
Based on the above references, where the error tolerance was 10%, the number of respondents were 21 out of 115 families.

The village forest institution (LPHD) Simanuk-manuk
The Village Forest Institution (LPHD) Simanuk-Manuk is an institution that has been mandated to

Respondent characteristic
The demographic data of LPHD Simanuk-manuk members provides a comprehensive snapshot of the community's composition and socioeconomic characteristics.This valuable information was meticulously gathered through a structured interview process conducted by enumerators.These enumerators were tasked with engaging directly with LPHD member, employing a methodical approach to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the collected data.The interviews were conducted by enumerators who followed a well-designed questionnaire, allowing for the systematic collection of information.The age distribution indicates that a significant proportion of LPHD Simanuk-manuk members fall within the 40-50 age range, comprising 38% of the respondents.Notably, individuals aged over 60 years constitute a smaller percentage at 9%.The substantial majority, 76% respondents have a main occupation as farmer.In terms of education, 81% of the respondents are high school graduates, while the remaining individuals are undergraduates.In terms of income, data reveals that there are 47% of respondents reporting their incomes below IDR 1500000 per month, while the remaining 53% received a monthly income exceeding this threshold.Additionally, the data also highlights the community's length of stay, indicating that 67% of LPHD members are long-term residents, who has lived in the village for more than 15 years.These socio-economic profiles, derived from enumerator-led interviews, serve as a basic resource for understanding the complexity of communities and are essential for informed decision-making in the context of sustainable forest management.
Length of stay Role is an action performed by a person in an event [16].If a person performs his rights and obligations in-line with his position, he performs a role.In context of forest management, roles can defined as actions performed by a person or groups in managing, protecting and utilizing forest [17].
The role of the community in village forest management is a very important effort in maintaining the sustainability of natural resources.Interviews revealed that the elements of role played by LPHD Simanuk-Manuk members include their involvement in preparation of activity plans, participation in implementing activities, as well as monitoring and evaluation.
Members of LPHD are aware of their roles and responsibilities in preparing activity plans.This role is played by participating in meetings and decision-making regarding activity plans.Village forest management will accommodate the community needs if they are involved in planning activities [18].Another important part of VF management is the community active involvement in implementing the planned activities.They participate in completing assigned tasks, such as attending training, anticipating possible illegal logging, or monitoring illegal activities that could damage forest.These roles are their real contribution in ensuring the VF management plan runs effectively.Participation of LPHD members can improve their knowledge and skills, and strengthen social capital in village forest management.The community considers that monitoring and evaluation are crucial role in VF management.They should be able to monitor the implementation of activities.Unfortunately, there is no monitoring and evaluation activities have been conducted since the Simanuk-Manuk Village Forest Decree was issued, so members are unable to assess whether activities are successful or unsuccessful and cannot identify any lessons learned.They also unable to determine whether better village forest management is possible.
The elements of roles mentioned above will be more effective if they involve other stakeholder, including the FMU, village government, private sector and others.If these roles are performed well, members of LPHD can create stronger social capital that benefits village forest management.

The element of rules
Rules are the result of collective decisions made by the community and are obligatory to follow.Rules are also related to the values of norms and customs that apply in society [19].In the social system of Jangga Dolok Village, the element of rules plays an important role in regulating community social interactions, promote cooperation, and maintain order in village forest management.
The element of rules related to social capital in LPHD Simanuk-Manuk is the existence of rules in the form of Statutes and Bylaws (AD/ART) that regulate organizational structure, duties, authority, and decision-making mechanisms.The Statutes and Bylaws allow members a clear guideline in carrying out their duties and responsibilities to manage the village forest in an organized manner, despite the fact that not all members know the substance of the bylaws in question.
An essential component of maintaining adherence to the established rules is the punishment for those who violate the bylaws.These punishments can be administrative fines or social punishments like warnings.The clear punishments will make community more compliant with established rules and maintain the sustainability of village forest management.Since the majority of respondents never violated the rules, they were unable to comment how the punishment were applied.Compliance with the rules is very important for minimizing conflicts and negative impacts on natural resources.
The community considers it is important to evaluate the suitability of the by-laws with the needs and designation of LPHD.The LPHD, village government, and community can all be consulted during this evaluation.Due to the actual circumstances in the Simanuk-Manuk Village Forest, the evaluation's goal is to make sure that bylaws can provide an effective framework for village forest management.
The existence of clear rules, followed with consistent implementation, is strong social capital for LPHD in creating an environment conducive to co-operation and community involvement in village forest management.These rules can also protect the common interest in maintaining the sustainability of natural resources and community welfare in Simanuk-Manuk Village Forest.

The element of network
The element of network in social capital refers to social relationships formed between individuals or groups within a society.This network involves exchange of information, knowledge and resources which promote the creation of social capital [20].Social networks between individuals or groups in LPHD is seen through the exchange of information and knowledge, both among members or with external institutions.Effective communication and willingness to share information among members is essential to ensure that each member is updated on decisions made at meetings.This reflects a commitment in maintaining cooperation and building social networks within the LPHD, this is in-line with [21], the structure of relationships and networks creates a variety of social obligations, creates mutual trust, brings information channels and establishes social norms for members.However, not all respondents experienced this situation, due to the lack of intense interaction between LPHD officials and their members which resulted the weak networks between them.
Based on the interviews, community understands the importance of networking and cooperating with various parties, including fellow farmers from other villages, middlemen, and others.Major problems particularly obtaining social capital can be solved with cooperation [22,23].
Institutionally, LPHD's networks are limited.The actors in their network are Village Government, Environment and Forestry Agency (DLHK), FMU Reg-IV Balige, Social Forestry and Environmental Partnership Agency (BPSKL) of Sumatra, and Public Works and Public Housing Agency (PUPR).So far, the network has only been realized in mentoring activities like socialization, training and assistance certain facilities such as Home Stay.Unfortunately, since the replacement of Village Head in 2021, the network between LPHD official and Village Head is less harmonious.The recent village head believes that there is insufficient coordination caused by LPHD officials.This may hinder the village forest management, demotivate LPHD officials and members, or even lead to disputes in the community.Internal disputes can affect community perception of village forest and lead to rejection of programs.
Interestingly, some LPHD members have in-depth knowledge of village forests as well as history and culture.Besides, there are individuals who have strong networks with other institutions, including the Watershed Management Agency, NGO, academics, private sectors, and others.This suggests that LPHD has opportunity to learn from these networked institutions.The LPHD can learn about cuttingedge technology, scientific research, and related policies by optimizing this network.Sharing knowledge and information can foster innovation and advancement in forest management and improve community understanding in these areas.In addition, assistance can be obtained through education, distribution of productive economic tools, or mentoring for community-led village forest management initiatives.
In managing village forests, networks can promote cooperation among stakeholders.Resources can be shared, plans can be made, communities can be empowered, and deforestation can be reduced through cooperation.The element of networks can provoke social support in managing forest.A practical example of this is when community providing social support in form of labour assistance, as reflected in the Marsiadapari tradition, which is a mutual cooperation that is commonly practised in Batak communities by providing labour or services in activities, such as planting, repairing drainage, repairing village roads, or even when a member holds a custom party.
These element of network can enhance community social capital and facilitate resources exchange between LPHD and stakeholders.If optimized, the networks play a crucial role in fostering relationships, cooperation and support from both internal and external LPHDs to support village forest management.

Cognitif social capital 3.4.1. The element of norms
The element of norms in social capital is a form of value found in a community group [24].The importance of social norms encourages active community participation in decision-making.Through these norms, communities believe they responsible to contribute to maintain forest sustainability [9].
The elements of norms identified in LPHD Simanuk-Manuk include written rules, unwritten rules, social norms, religious norms and traditional norms related to village forest management.The written rules are the Articles of Association and By-Laws (AD/ART).The unwritten rules that were identified include prohibition of exploiting village forest, prohibition of speaking unkind and impolite words in the forest, prohibition of littering, prohibition of activities in the upper reaches of the river, prohibition of cutting down trees, prohibition of hunting animals, limitation of the number of visitors entering the forest, the existence of certain rituals when entering the forest such as the Mamele tradition, which is asking permission and/or worshiping ancestral spirits and asking to be given health, sustenance, protection, and so on.Usually, Mamele is followed by the giving of offerings in the hope that the ancestral spirits will grant the supplicant's request.
In addition, there are punishments for those who violate the rule, such as reprimands.These norms aim to preserve the forest and promote responsible management practices.This is in-line with [25], who highlights the role of social norms in regulating access to and use of forest resources by local communities.These norms include customary rules, habits or agreements that are collectively accepted in the community and influence individual or group actions in forest management.
Other social norms identified were gender roles and kinship systems.There is no difference in the roles played by men and women.Although there are some women who actively participate in forest management, in reality men are more involved in these activities.
According to interviews, all relatives have the right to manage the land managed by their parents.This norm reflects the principles of kinship and co-operation in natural resource management.However, there is debate about the clarity of the boundaries of each member's management area.In fact, LPHD has not arranged the area boundaries, there is no zoning division (rehabilitation, utilisation, protection), and there is no distribution of area among member.A fair distribution and determination of management areas is essential to maintain the sustainability of forest management and prevent conflicts.
Interviews also explained that the Simanuk-Manuk village forest has benefited welfare although its utilisation has not been able to generate income to support family needs and boost local economy.This indicates that village forest area has not been optimally utilised as a source of economic income.Instead, it has been used to provide water and serve as a life support system.

The element of value
The social values underlying social capital, such as equity, participation, solidarity, sustainability and environment stewardship, influence the way communities engage in natural resource management [9].The element of value identified include social values that promote utilization of village forests in-line with community needs.This value demonstrates an appreciation for the significance of preserving natural resources and leaving a legacy for future generation.This value also promotes forest management by considering sustainability and future needs.Based on interview, LPHD's commitment to principles of equity in forest management.To ensure benefits and access to natural resources are equally distributed among communities, village forest management is based on principle of justice.Social values that emphasize justice to address unequal access to resources are evident in the community.The research shows that community is aware of the importance of forest protection from disturbances caused by humans and animals.This means that village management practices are based on the sustainability principles and influenced by social values that consider forests as a heritage that must be preserved.This is in-line with [26], values as the main supporting factor in forming social capital for communities around the forest, which binds the community in preserving the forest.
Values are an appreciation of what is beneficial to a person, group or society as a whole [9].Social capital is shaped by norms and values, if they exist and are effective within individuals or groups [27,28].Another element of value is the customary traditions related to natural resource management, which reflect local wisdom and influence how forest management has been passed down from generation to generation.The Manabor Boni tradition, which is performed before planting rice and requires all farmers to bring rice seeds to the church to be prayed for by the priest, is one example of a tradition relating to natural resource management that is still practiced today.Another custom is the Gotilon Party, a traditional celebration held to express gratitude to God Almighty for the harvest.This is in line with [29], customary values and local wisdom play an important role in sustainable forest management in various cultural contexts.These values reflect the community's emotional and spiritual connection with nature as well as a commitment to maintaining forest sustainability.
The importance of the value element in social capital is also reflected in forest management policies and regulations.Many countries recognize the importance of taking into account social and cultural values in forest-related decision-making.For example, the "customary forests" concept in various countries demonstrates efforts to recognize and protect local values in forest management [12].

The element of attitudes
Attitudes are identified as one of the important elements in the formation of social capital that supports community participation in natural resource management.Attitudes include perspectives, beliefs, and emotions that influence behaviour and social interactions [9].
The element of attitude identified is a perspective that respects forests as priceless natural resource.This attitude is reflected in an awareness of the importance of forest sustainability.Another attitude is community participation in forest management activities such as monitoring illegal activities that could damage Another attitude is concern for the community welfare.This is in-line with [30], suggests that positive attitudes towards forest sustainability, such as respect for nature and a desire to maintain biodiversity, motivate communities to take responsible management actions.
The research also detected an attitude of respect for the traditions.Traditional wisdom and customs in communities are passed down through generations, promoting harmony between humans and the environment and strengthening social capital through sustainable forest management.

The element of believes
According to [9], the element of belief as part of social capital is very important in forest management.Based on interviews, the community has a belief that forests are valuable natural resources, this belief is reflected in the form of awareness of the importance of preserving forests.The community believes that Simanuk-Manuk VF is a 'treasure' that must be preserved together.Strong belief in the importance of forest conservation can encourage active participation in forest management activities and produce positive impacts on the environment and society [30].
There are local wisdom and customary elements related to forest management and contribute to forest conservation, for example, there are sacred sites, such as a large banyan tree that must not be damaged, protecting the tree means protecting the water source.The community believes that the application of local wisdom and customary practices that have been passed down from generation to generation can contribute to preserve forest and maintaining harmony between humans and nature.A strong belief in the importance of forest conservation, local wisdom, justice and environmental sustainability can motivate and formed community attitudes and actions in preserving forests [31].
Local wisdom suggests the importance of a positive relationship between humans and nature.Local wisdom has an important role in forest management therefore, local knowledge should not be ignored.So far, the community believes that the management of Simanuk-Manuk VF has been carried out according to the principles of sustainability and considering the land characteristics and potential.
The community also believes that good and sustainable forest management will have a positive impact on human by improving community welfare, livelihoods and environmental quality.In order to realize balance between economic, social and environmental interests, it is necessary to develop forest management policies and strategies while still considering the values and beliefs that exist in the community.According [31], belief in local wisdom and customary practices in forest management is an important element in social capital.Beliefs in customary practices and cultural values influence community behavior in maintaining a balance between forest conservation, social and economic interests.The community also believes that good forest management must be based on the principles of justice and involve active community participation, especially in decision-making.Unfortunately, this belief is not evenly reflected in all LPHD members, as recognized by several LPHD Simanuk-Manuk officials, only a small number of members are active in meetings and implementation of activities.
The elements of belief mentioned above can encourage communities to be actively involved in sustainable forest management practices and maintain a balance between human needs (including development) and ecosystem sustainability.In addition, these beliefs will also encourage people to respect, practice and preserve local and customary wisdom in forest management.

Conclusion
The people of Jangga Dolok may not understand the term social capital, but they clearly practice it in their daily lives.The community social capital of LPHD Simanuk-manuk includes the roles, rules, networks, norms, values, attitudes and beliefs that they share together and if optimized will strengthen village forest management.The identified structural social capital consists of roles including preparing activity plans, participating in implementing activities, as well as monitoring and evaluating activities.The elements of rules including Statutes and Bylaws of LPHD Simanuk-Manuk while the element of network refers to exchange of information, knowledge, and resources that will promoting the social capital.Networks can promote cooperation among stakeholders, share resources, make plans, empower communities, and reduce deforestation.The identified cognitive social capital consists of norms, values, attitudes and beliefs.The element of norms includes written rules, unwritten rules, social norms, religious norms, and traditional norms related to village forest management.The element of value are community expressions which are reflected in how they view and manage village forests.The element of attitude such as respect for nature and biodiversity, motivate responsible management actions.The element of believes consist of local wisdom and customary practices, such as protecting sacred sites.These elements of social capital are the community expressions that are reflected in how they view and manage the village forest.All elements of social capital play a role in fostering a sense of community responsibility for village forest conservation.

Figure 1 .
Figure 1.Map of research location ) Description: n = Number of samples, N = Total population (total heads of household (HH)), e = error tolerance.